Embryonic stem cells research in Israel: a legal and ethical inquiry

Embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) holds great promise for future remedies, coupled with gainful venture opportunities. However, the possibility to benefit to the full extent from this modality is contingent to the resolution of significant ethical and legal difficulties. Currently, a myriad of international laws and regulation precludes a systematic, singular point of view, necessitating a nation-by-nation analysis. This article focuses on the legal and ethical framework of ESCR in Israel, where significant scientific and entrepreneurship activities are taking place. The article highlights the current legislation and regulation, and presents the prevailing guidelines developed by national advisory committees in authorizing stem cell research. The main issues presented include the status of pre-embryos, rights of gamete donors and the breadth of informed consent required, the concept of benefit-sharing and limitation on oocyte retrieval, critical in this arena. Such description is meant to enable the understanding of current trends in legal and ethical research scrutiny in Israel, illuminate the duties and restraints of researchers and their financing companies, thereby fostering a more rationalized prospective of biotechnology endeavors.